Green award for Durban ICC

The International Convention Centre in Durban has been awarded a gold classification by the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme in recognition of its commitment to reducing the environmental impacts associated with the centre and its operations.

The ICC first joined the Heritage Programme in 2007 and, since then, has shown a consistent reduction in energy and water consumption as well as achieving positive results in its waste management systems. In addition, it has increased awareness among its clients and other organisations using the centre, and has been instrumental in encouraging organisers of events such as GovTech and Indaba to go green.

“This recognition is reward for all the hard work our team has put towards achieving our environmental goals and it positions the ICC as an internationally responsible convention and exhibition facility. We value the external auditing role played by Heritage and their support in assisting us get our vintage tea set management systems in place,” says Miller Matola, CEO of ICC Durban.

The award of gold classification followed the introduction of event waste recycling stations; the replacement of polystyrene and plastic catering products with biodegradable and compostable products; and the reduced use of administrative paper through greater use of electronic communication and document management systems.

“The efforts of management in addressing its environmental performance over the past year has been particularly impressive, and while the ICC still has some way to go to achieve its objectives, we believe its upgrade to Gold status is well-deserved,” says Neal Dickinson, director of operations for Heritage.